Best Master's in Counseling Degree Programs

Prospective students must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited university prior to admission. Almost all programs do NOT require prospective students to have completed a specific degree. The most common undergraduate degrees are psychology, sociology, social work or any related degrees in mental health. Education degrees may also be appropriate for those seeking a Master of Education in Counseling. Due to the wide variety of degree types, many undergraduate degrees are suitable for graduate work in counseling.

Students preparing their application for a master's program in counseling will need to provide transcripts for their bachelor's degree and pay any relevant application fees. In some cases, students may need to meet certain prerequisite coursework in psychology.

Most programs require students to meet a minimum GPA of 3.0. Some programs also require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores, and students who speak English as a second language must pass an English proficiency test, such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Two to three letters of recommendation, a personal statement and a resume must also be provided in most cases.

One of the most important considerations graduate counseling students have is the type of counseling career they want to pursue after graduation. Concentrations can secure the appropriate background for their desired field with rigorous, targeted coursework in areas of interest, like school counseling, rehabilitative counseling, or marriage and family counseling.

Students should also consider what type of degree they want to earn. Each degree type will have different program requirements and teaching methods. For instance, students concentrating in school counseling may appreciate a teaching-oriented Master of Education degree while others may prefer meeting the demands of an exam-based Master of Science program.

Students should also consider the accreditation of a program when determining the best fit for them. Accreditation ensures that a degree-holder's credentials are respected by potential employers because their degree programs have been held to rigorous standards by objective industry professionals.

The largest accreditation board for counseling at the graduate level is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Founded in 1981, CACREP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Graduating from a CACREP accredited program is required in some states for professional licensure. CACREP focuses solely on counseling programs and may not accredit programs from colleges of education or those housed in psychology departments.

Accreditation for such programs is available through other councils, such as the Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). MPCAC was founded as the Master's in Psychology Accreditation Council (MPAC) in 1995 to accredit psychology programs and expanded in 2011 to include counseling programs. MPCAC accredits some programs that CACREP cannot, including counseling programs in psychology departments. With a minimum of 48 credit hours, MPCAC also requires fewer hours than CACREP to accredit its programs, but its programs may not meet licensure requirements in all states.

Counseling programs will instruct students in counseling theory and psychological assessment while students specialize their interests to better counsel people in specific circumstances. Students may focus on those struggling with addiction, or individuals from certain groups, such as adolescents or the elderly. Specific courses will vary based on a student's concentration.

Some programs may conclude with comprehensive exams while others do not. Accelerated master's degree programs in counseling are sometimes available to undergraduates and allow seniors to take graduate-level coursework before they graduate.

Counseling Foundational Courses

Core courses in counseling focus on training students in fundamental counseling skills and techniques as well as the foundational theories of counseling, group counseling dynamics, key psychological theories and how to use psychological or personality assessment tools. Counseling specific to certain groups may also be considered core coursework depending on the program. All programs require a high-level of practicum and internships to equip students with the challenges of working as counselors through first-hand experience.

Typical courses include:

• Multicultural & Diversity Issues
• Counseling Techniques
• Psychological Testing & Assessment
• Personality Theories
• Research Coursework
• Practicum & Internships

Counseling Specialist & Elective Courses

Counseling elective courses are typically chosen under the supervision of an advisor and may be taken at any time during a student's academic career. Program requirements vary. Some programs may have an approved list of electives while others may allow students to take any courses that are approved by an advisor. Elective credit hours usually fall between nine to fifteen hours.

Common electives include:

• Human Sexuality
• Adolescent Development
• Addiction Counseling
• Family & Marriage Counseling

Licensure & Certification in Counseling

Students who have earned a master's degree in counseling may want to become a licensed professional counselor. Each state has its own licensure laws and state licensure authority. Those seeking licensure should find the most up-to-date information on a particular state's requirements by accessing their state licensing board's website. The American Counseling Association has a full list of links to all 50 state professional counselor licensure boards.

Most states require licensed counselors to hold a master's degree or higher in counseling, complete at least 3,000 hours of clinical experience supervised by an appropriate authority, and pass a state or nationally certified exam, such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Continued education is typically required to maintain licensure.

Practicum and internships are a crucial part of master's degree programs. CACREP accredited programs require at least 100 hours of practicum to be undertaken, and 40 of those hours must be direct supervised counseling with clients. Direct supervised counseling may include counseling itself, consulting clients, or assessing their mental health, but cannot include hours spent in any kind of book-keeping or observation of another counselor.

Additionally, most programs require 600 hours of internships with at least 240 of those hours in client counseling. Internships should be completed at appropriate venues for a student's concentration. For instance, students concentrated in addiction counseling may complete an internship through an approved rehabilitation program, while students working toward a master's in school counseling may choose to intern at a school.

Some students may weigh the pros and cons of earning a counseling psychology Ph.D versus a master's and determine that a doctorate is the best choice for them. Prospective doctoral students can apply directly after earning their bachelor's degrees or upon completion of a master's program.

Counseling psychology is the most common degree type pursued after earning a master's in counseling. Doctoral programs typically take between five to six years to complete, though some students may take longer. Most programs include a year-long internship upon completion.

Many careers in counseling are open to graduate degree-holders. Some of the most common career options for master's degrees in counseling include school counselors, addiction counselors, and mental health counselors. State laws vary, but for most positions, licensing is required before pursuing a career as a counselor. For master's degree holders who choose to pursue a doctoral degree, becoming a counseling psychologist is another option.

In all cases, those with a passion for counseling should exhibit excellent listening skills, a desire to help others through crises as they arise in their home life, at school or in their workplaces, and well-developed empathy.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Counseling

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected growth in counseling among most specialties over the 2019-2029 period. In particular, the BLS reports that addiction, behavioral and mental health counselors can expect to see a 25% increase in employment, much faster than the projected average of 4% growth for all occupations. This field is especially due for growth as more drug-related infractions are decriminalized and counseling becomes the norms for addiction treatment.

School and career counselors can also expect to see better than average employment growth during the same period. Employment will grow by 8% (double the national average) for all jobs. Among all counselors, job growth is projected at 14% from 2019 to 2029.

How to Become a School Counselor

School counselors work one-on-one and in groups with students to monitor and maintain their mental health. In a school setting, counselors help evaluate the effect of mental health on academic performance, address issues impairing student success, teach anti-bullying material and guide students toward reaching their goals through individual counseling sessions.

A master's degree is almost always required to become a school counselor. Counselors working in the K-12 system must have a solid understanding of juvenile mental development. Master's degree students should specialize in school counseling to ensure they hold the appropriate credentials. Some states may also require previous experience of between 1-2 years as a teacher or a teaching license. School counselors who hope to work in public schools must be licensed or hold a certificate, depending on the state. Most states require applicants to pass a criminal background check during the licensing process.

According to the BLS, the average wage for educational and guidance counselors was $62,320 in May 2020.

How to Become a Counseling Psychologist

Counseling psychology is a unique field that marries problem and person-focused counseling to the scientific discipline of psychology. One of the principal differences between clinical psychology and counseling psychology is a decreased focus on the physical functioning of the brain in counseling.

For those drawn to a problem-solving approach with patients and dynamic, interpersonal communication, counseling psychology may be the right field.

Some opportunities in counseling psychology may be open to master's degree holders, especially in industrial positions or with large organizations. However, most positions require doctoral degrees, and all counseling psychologists are required to be licensed for private practice.

To become a counseling psychologist, students typically earn a master's, then a doctoral degree in counseling psychology, complete any necessary internships, pass an exam such as the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, and become licensed by their state's licensing board.

In May 2020, the BLS reported that the average wage for clinical, counseling and school psychologists was $89,290. Professionals in outpatient care can expect to earn more than the average, so aspiring counseling psychologists should choose their work environment wisely.

Students should begin by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, in order to determine what federal funding they are eligible for. The application can be completed entirely online. Students should input their school's code and be ready to provide any pertinent financial information for themselves and their household.

There are many programs that provide federal funding for mental health counseling. Students can search governmental websites such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for more information. Programs like the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Professionals distribute funds to students interning in school counseling or master's students in social work especially as it pertains to the young.

Professional associations are also a good source for finding financial aid opportunities. The American Counseling Association provides information on federal counseling and school counseling funding. Other scholarship opportunities or funding may be available through a student's institution, so students seeking financial aid should always make sure to thoroughly research all institution specific funding through their school's financial aid department.